As I almost never comment upon current events, these blog entries have a timeless triviality. Sample the various years and see what interests you.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Isaac Watts on Humor

I found some cautionary comments on humor in the 1727 book The Improvement of the Mind by Dr. Isaac
Watts (1674-1748). Dr. Watts was an English Nonconformist minister, a noted logician, and a famous writer of
such mighty hymns as "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."Dr. Watts's wisdom deserves attention, even if -- or perhaps especially if -- it conflicts with my inclinations. I may have to consider
moderating my affection for literary silliness from the time of the Great War.

[Note: ignis fatuus refers
to a marsh light also known as will-o'-the-wisp.Ignis fatuus is a particularly appropriate metaphor to adorn the following discussion,
as the term is derived from the Medieval Latin for "foolish fire."]

From the 1885 abridgement by Stephen Fellows (jettisoning most of Watts's theological foundations):

Chapter I.General
Rules for the Improvement of Knowledge

XII.He that would
raise his judgment above the vulgar rank of mankind, and learn to pass a just
sentence on persons and things, must take heed of a fanciful temper of mind and
a humorous conduct in his affairs.Fancy
and humor, early and constantly indulged, may expect an old age overrun with
follies.

The notion of a humorist is one that is greatly pleased, or
greatly displeased, with little things; who sets his heart much upon matters of
very small importance; who has his will determined every day by trifles, his
actions seldom directed by the reason and nature of things, and his passions
frequently raised by things of little moment.Where this practice is allowed, it will insensibly warp the judgment to
pronounce little things great, and tempt you to lay a great weight upon them.In short, this temper will incline you to
pass an unjust value on almost every thing that occurs; and every step you take
in this path is just so far out of the way to wisdom.

XIII.For the same
reason have a care of trifling with things important and momentous, or of
sporting with things awful and sacred: do not indulge a spirit of ridicule, as
some witty men do on all occasions and subjects.This will as unhappily bias the judgment on
the other side, and incline you to pass a low esteem on the most valuable
objects.Whatsoever evil habit we
indulge in practice, it will insensibly obtain a power over our understanding
and betray us into many errors.

{ Jocander is ready with his jests to answer every
thing that he hears; he reads books in the same jovial humor, and has gotten
the art of turning every thought and sentence into merriment.How many awkward and irregular judgments
does this man pass upon solemn subjects, even when he designs to be grave and
in earnest!His mirth and laughing humor
is formed into habit and temper, and leads his understanding shamefully
astray.You will see him wandering in
pursuit of a gay flying feather, and he is drawn by a sort of ignis fatuus into bogs and mire almost
every day of his life. }